The water buffalo is also known as (domestic) Asian/Asiatic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The term 'buffalo' is often misinterpreted for the bison, also known as the 'North American buffalo'. However, the bison is actually more closely linked to the cattle than to the water buffalo. The term 'buffalo' has been derived from several languages such as Greek, Spanish, Italian, but mainly Latin. Bubalus bubalis, the latin name of the water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo explains some links that the buffalo has to other mammals. The genus 'Bubalus' refers to bovines, animals that are closely linked to ruminant (cud-chewing) mammals such as cows, oxes, cattle and buffalos whilst the latin word 'bubalis' is similar to 'Bubalus' meaning "wild ox".
Domestic Asian Water Buffalo. Source: http://animal.discovery.com/guides/endangered/mammals/asian-buffalo.html
Scientific Classification (Bubalus bubalis)
Level
Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Bubalus
Species
Bubalus bubalis
Habitat
The water buffalo or Bubalus bubalis specie are often classified as having three subspecies: the river buffalo (B.bubalis bubalis), B.bubalis carabanesis (also known as the swamp buffalo or carabao) and the wild water buffalo (B.bubalis arnee). South Asia is home to the river buffalo while the swamp buffalo can be found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The wild ancestor of the domestic Asian water buffalo, the wild water buffalo can be found in different regions across the world, also mainly located in Asia. However, the wild water buffalo has been listed as an endangered animal; therefore they can only be found in various protected regions in India, Nepal, Bhutan and a Thailand wildlife reserve.
Map of Water Buffalo range. Source: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/water-buffalo/
For the past 5000 years, the Asian water buffalo has been domesticated for work and farming and also to produce meat and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese products. This is a reason for the widespread location of the Asian water buffalo, allowing it to be found in regions outside Asia such as South America, North America, Egypt, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. However, it is known that the Bubalus bubalis originally came from Asia, earning it the name ‘Asian water buffalo’. It has been estimated that in the wild, they originally inhabited places stretching from Malaysia, Vietnam, Central India and southern Nepal.
Wet grasslands, tropical and subtropical forests are usually the major habitats of the Asian water buffalo as they prefer humid climates. They can be found in different sorts of habitats as long as it provides a wet environment as they like to spend most of their time in water and are dependent on water. The location of the Asian water buffalo is also dependent on factors such as places with adequate food and shelter as water buffalos can often be found in herds. Water buffalos prefer temperate, tropical and terrestrial habitats such as terrestrial biomes, aquatic biomes and wetlands. Swamps, marshes and forests that are situated beside rivers (riverine forests) provides one of the most important source for the water buffalos – water. Asian water buffalos spend a lot of time wallowing in mud holes, swamps and rivers, thus earning them the name of ‘water buffalo’.
A herd of water buffalos wallowing in a river. Source: Photographer David Behrens. (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/david_behrens/BuffalonChitals.jpg/view.html)
Water buffalos are usually found in places with lower altitudes, with the swamp buffalos in Nepal being an exception. Swamp buffalos that are found in Nepal can reach altitudes of over 2800 metres high. Water buffalos are usually found in places with lower altitudes due to their diet. Water buffalos are bovines, meaning that they are ruminant animals and are therefore herbivores. They are sometimes described as ‘folivores’, an animal that only eats leaves. However, the main diet of the water buffalo would be grazing on grass but would also eat other types of plants such as herbs, agricultural crops (mainly domesticated water buffalos), wood, bark, and vegetation that may grow along river banks and other water sources.
Although the water buffalo may be an herbivore and does not prey on other animals, they only have one significant predator other than humans – tigers (Panthera tigris). It is known that only the Bengal tiger, Indochinese tiger and occasionally the Sumatran tiger are the predators of the water buffalo as other existing species of tiger are located in parts of the world where no wild Asian water buffalos inhabit. However, due to the large size of the water buffalo, it is not an easy prey for the tiger.
Behavioural Adaptations
Wallowing in mud and water Water buffalos have a habit
Water buffalo wallowing in mud. Source: Photographer David Behrens
of spending long periods of time wallowing in mud and water during the day, especially in the afternoon. This is a necessary adaption as water buffalos, unlike most bovids, has fewer sweat glands and therefore means that their body cannot cool itself down quickly. Similar to the domestic pig, wallowing in mud is more preferable than wallowing in water for the water buffalos because the mud has a longer cooling period as compared to just plain water due to the fact that the water in mud does not evaporate as quickly. Another advantage of wallowing in mud is that it helps create a thick layer on the water buffalo’s skin which will prevent it of bites from insects. Being able to find a more efficient way of cooling down may help the water buffalos to adapt to warmer temperatures. This adaption may have formed due to environmental effects caused by humans such as deforestation which may have taken away other ways of cooling down such as the shade provided by trees for the water buffalos.
Polygynous mating
The behaviour of water buffalos is more socially active. They usually form herds of over 20 that separate the females and males. Although there is a ‘maternal’ group (females) and a ‘bachelor’ group (males), they will often come into interaction with each other during the wet season, even though the male will enter the maternal group during other seasons as well. The mating of the water buffalos are Polygynous, meaning that the male may have several mating partners and will not remain faithful to one specific female buffalo. This polygynous mating system allows for more young to be given birth during a long period of time. This may be a necessary adaption for survival and ensuring that there will be future generations of the water buffalo as they have a relatively long gestation period of 300-340 days, and will on an average, only give birth to one young over the span of two years.
Male water buffalo (left) with two female partners (right) Source: (http://www.htlcservices.com/animals.html)
Structural Adaptations
Diagram 1: Features of the Water Buffalo. Source: (image only) Michigan Science Art (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/Grzimek_mammals/Bovinae/Bubalus_babalis.jpg/view.html)
Wide-splayed hoofed feet The water buffalo is the biggest member of the family it belongs to, the Bovidae family. Other members of the Bovidae family include gazelles, mountain goats, and some domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Yet, out of such a large family, the water buffalo is considered the largest member, meaning that it may well be the heaviest. The Asian/Asiatic water buffalo and other species of the water buffalo inhabits dense environments and are dependent on water and mud to cool their body temperature down. If the water buffalo did not have wide-splayed hoofed feet, their heavy body weight will not be suitable for their habitats as their wide-splayed hoofed feet helps the water buffalo move freely in mud and wetlands by preventing them to sink too deep. The large hoofed feet of the water buffalo is adapted to the environment that it lives in. If the water buffalo lived in rocky terrains that had a scarce supply of water, large hoofed feet would not be much help as it is only suitable for wet terrains such as swamps and wetlands.
Wide-splayed hoofed feet of the water buffalo. Source: (image only) http://wmbizblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/water_buffalo.jpg
Backward-curved horns
One of the most distinct features of the water buffalo would be the two protruding horns located on the top of their head. These backward-curved horns, complete with deep patterned ridges are usually larger on a male buffalo as male buffalos are relatively larger in size as compared to the female buffalos. The female buffalo's body and mass is obviously smaller in size as compared to the male buffalo. Their curved horns are also shorter and smaller in size with fewer ridges. The environmental pressure that allows female buffalos to have relatively smaller horns may be because of the fact that female buffalos often travel in larger herds as compared to male buffalos, therefore making it harder for the tiger to attack. The backward curved horns of the water buffalo are adapted to fend off deadly predators that are located in the habitats of the water buffalo. It is there to help protect and attack the main predator of the water buffalo, the tiger. With the adaptation of the backward curved horns, the water buffalo can easily fend off the tiger as they are larger in size and usually travel in herds, making it harder and more confusing for the tiger to attack them. Environmental pressure that could have given rise to this adaptation would be the increase of predators or because the water buffalos were too weak and could not defend themselves without the evolution of their weapon, the curved horns.
Backward-curved horns of the water buffalo. Source: Photographer David Behrens (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/david_behrens/9579566.WaterBuffalo.jpg/view.html)
Physiological Adaptations
Buffalo Milk production The milk that buffalos provide is very rich and contains more fat as compared to cow's milk. Buffalo milk is high in lactose, protein and fat and therefore helps with a young calf's growth. It provides a lot of nutrient for the young and because of the long gestation period of the water buffalo, it is very important for the calf to survive in order to ensure that there are future generations of the water buffalo. Environmental pressure that could have given rise to this physiological adaptation may be because of the destruction and deforestation of trees and grasslands, causing water buffalos to lose their major source of food and therefore they would need to be able to produce their own supply of milk for their young in order to ensure that there will be future generations and so that they can survive.
«Fossil Animal...................................................................................................Future Animal»
Water Buffalo
(Modern Animal)
The water buffalo is also known as (domestic) Asian/Asiatic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). The term 'buffalo' is often misinterpreted for the bison, also known as the 'North American buffalo'. However, the bison is actually more closely linked to the cattle than to the water buffalo. The term 'buffalo' has been derived from several languages such as Greek, Spanish, Italian, but mainly Latin. Bubalus bubalis, the latin name of the water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo explains some links that the buffalo has to other mammals. The genus 'Bubalus' refers to bovines, animals that are closely linked to ruminant (cud-chewing) mammals such as cows, oxes, cattle and buffalos whilst the latin word 'bubalis' is similar to 'Bubalus' meaning "wild ox".
Scientific Classification (Bubalus bubalis)
Habitat
The water buffalo or Bubalus bubalis specie are often classified as having three subspecies: the river buffalo (B.bubalis bubalis), B.bubalis carabanesis (also known as the swamp buffalo or carabao) and the wild water buffalo (B.bubalis arnee). South Asia is home to the river buffalo while the swamp buffalo can be found in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The wild ancestor of the domestic Asian water buffalo, the wild water buffalo can be found in different regions across the world, also mainly located in Asia. However, the wild water buffalo has been listed as an endangered animal; therefore they can only be found in various protected regions in India, Nepal, Bhutan and a Thailand wildlife reserve.For the past 5000 years, the Asian water buffalo has been domesticated for work and farming and also to produce meat and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese products. This is a reason for the widespread location of the Asian water buffalo, allowing it to be found in regions outside Asia such as South America, North America, Egypt, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. However, it is known that the Bubalus bubalis originally came from Asia, earning it the name ‘Asian water buffalo’. It has been estimated that in the wild, they originally inhabited places stretching from Malaysia, Vietnam, Central India and southern Nepal.
Wet grasslands, tropical and subtropical forests are usually the major habitats of the Asian water buffalo as they prefer humid climates. They can be found in different sorts of habitats as long as it provides a wet environment as they like to spend most of their time in water and are dependent on water. The location of the Asian water buffalo is also dependent on factors such as places with adequate food and shelter as water buffalos can often be found in herds. Water buffalos prefer temperate, tropical and terrestrial habitats such as terrestrial biomes, aquatic biomes and wetlands. Swamps, marshes and forests that are situated beside rivers (riverine forests) provides one of the most important source for the water buffalos – water. Asian water buffalos spend a lot of time wallowing in mud holes, swamps and rivers, thus earning them the name of ‘water buffalo’.
Water buffalos are usually found in places with lower altitudes, with the swamp buffalos in Nepal being an exception. Swamp buffalos that are found in Nepal can reach altitudes of over 2800 metres high. Water buffalos are usually found in places with lower altitudes due to their diet. Water buffalos are bovines, meaning that they are ruminant animals and are therefore herbivores. They are sometimes described as ‘folivores’, an animal that only eats leaves. However, the main diet of the water buffalo would be grazing on grass but would also eat other types of plants such as herbs, agricultural crops (mainly domesticated water buffalos), wood, bark, and vegetation that may grow along river banks and other water sources.
Although the water buffalo may be an herbivore and does not prey on other animals, they only have one significant predator other than humans – tigers (Panthera tigris). It is known that only the Bengal tiger, Indochinese tiger and occasionally the Sumatran tiger are the predators of the water buffalo as other existing species of tiger are located in parts of the world where no wild Asian water buffalos inhabit. However, due to the large size of the water buffalo, it is not an easy prey for the tiger.
Behavioural Adaptations
Wallowing in mud and waterWater buffalos have a habit
Polygynous mating
The behaviour of water buffalos is more socially active. They usually form herds of over 20 that separate the females and males. Although there is a ‘maternal’ group (females) and a ‘bachelor’ group (males), they will often come into interaction with each other during the wet season, even though the male will enter the maternal group during other seasons as well. The mating of the water buffalos are Polygynous, meaning that the male may have several mating partners and will not remain faithful to one specific female buffalo. This polygynous mating system allows for more young to be given birth during a long period of time. This may be a necessary adaption for survival and ensuring that there will be future generations of the water buffalo as they have a relatively long gestation period of 300-340 days, and will on an average, only give birth to one young over the span of two years.
Structural Adaptations
Wide-splayed hoofed feet
The water buffalo is the biggest member of the family it belongs to, the Bovidae family. Other members of the Bovidae family include gazelles, mountain goats, and some domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Yet, out of such a large family, the water buffalo is considered the largest member, meaning that it may well be the heaviest. The Asian/Asiatic water buffalo and other species of the water buffalo inhabits dense environments and are dependent on water and mud to cool their body temperature down. If the water buffalo did not have wide-splayed hoofed feet, their heavy body weight will not be suitable for their habitats as their wide-splayed hoofed feet helps the water buffalo move freely in mud and wetlands by preventing them to sink too deep. The large hoofed feet of the water buffalo is adapted to the environment that it lives in. If the water buffalo lived in rocky terrains that had a scarce supply of water, large hoofed feet would not be much help as it is only suitable for wet terrains such as swamps and wetlands.
Backward-curved horns
One of the most distinct features of the water buffalo would be the two protruding horns located on the top of their head. These backward-curved horns, complete with deep patterned ridges are usually larger on a male buffalo as male buffalos are relatively larger in size as compared to the female buffalos. The female buffalo's body and mass is obviously smaller in size as compared to the male buffalo. Their curved horns are also shorter and smaller in size with fewer ridges. The environmental pressure that allows female buffalos to have relatively smaller horns may be because of the fact that female buffalos often travel in larger herds as compared to male buffalos, therefore making it harder for the tiger to attack. The backward curved horns of the water buffalo are adapted to fend off deadly predators that are located in the habitats of the water buffalo. It is there to help protect and attack the main predator of the water buffalo, the tiger. With the adaptation of the backward curved horns, the water buffalo can easily fend off the tiger as they are larger in size and usually travel in herds, making it harder and more confusing for the tiger to attack them. Environmental pressure that could have given rise to this adaptation would be the increase of predators or because the water buffalos were too weak and could not defend themselves without the evolution of their weapon, the curved horns.
Physiological Adaptations
Buffalo Milk productionThe milk that buffalos provide is very rich and contains more fat as compared to cow's milk. Buffalo milk is high in lactose, protein and fat and therefore helps with a young calf's growth. It provides a lot of nutrient for the young and because of the long gestation period of the water buffalo, it is very important for the calf to survive in order to ensure that there are future generations of the water buffalo. Environmental pressure that could have given rise to this physiological adaptation may be because of the destruction and deforestation of trees and grasslands, causing water buffalos to lose their major source of food and therefore they would need to be able to produce their own supply of milk for their young in order to ensure that there will be future generations and so that they can survive.
Bibliography
1. National Geographic Society. (2010). Water Buffalo. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/water-buffalo/
2. University of Michigan. (2008). Bubalus bubalis. Retrieved July 25, 2010, from http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Bubalus_bubalis.html
3. Water buffalo. (2010). In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved July 24, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_Asian_water_buffalo#Adaptation_and_behavioral
4. Wildscreen. (2010). Asian buffalo. Retrieved July 25, 2010, from http://www.arkive.org/asian-buffalo/bubalus-bubalis/info.html